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behindthebeautylens · 3 years ago

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Your an never go wrong with a cat eye look.

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behindthebeautylens · 5 years ago

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How Beauty Photoshoots Help Your Modeling Portfolio

When it’s time to show your portfolio to an agency, they will be looking for key shots every model should have in their book. One of these images will include a solid beauty shot that has the power to grab an agent or a client’s full attention and book your next job. This photo should be the first photo in your portfolio and accentuates your facial structure, your personality, and your ability to control expression. Here are four reasons why beauty photoshoots will help your portfolio and why every model should have a strong headshot to add to their book.

Your Beauty Shot is Your First Impression.

When an agency or a client opens up your book, the first photo they will see is your beauty shot or headshot. The first impression they will have is a clean, straightforward yet intimate gaze that has the ability to land you your next job. Essentially, it’s important to schedule a beauty photoshoot because it will create one of the strongest tools of persuasion in your book. Your beauty shot will also be displayed on your comp cards or “z cards,” so by putting your best headshot forward you already have a greater chance at capturing a client’s attention as they sift through options.

Beauty Shots are Essential to Your Portfolio’s Composition.

For every model, it’s important to have at least these five images in your book: Beauty, Full-length, Editorial/Fashion, Commercial, and Swimsuit. This is the standard. If any of these shots are missing from your book, be sure to work on them until your portfolio is complete. You want to take full advantage of every initial opportunity you receive with an agency by presenting your book at its best. Keep in mind, if an agency really likes your look, they can still sign you even if your book is not yet complete. However, they will urge you to continue developing your portfolio because having a solid book is the only way you can properly be seen and considered by clients. At the end of the day, the work you put into building your portfolio will have to be done with or without an agency. So keep building, keep working, and keep growing!

Beauty Shots Show Your Range of Emotion.

Beauty shots are the perfect way to showcase your ability to express emotion in front of the lens. You can have a variety of beauty shots in your portfolio, which may include smiling shots, dramatic looks, or edgy, high-energy captures. Remember that your portfolio will most always need a straightforward headshot in addition to this sprinkle of variety. Use expression to your advantage — show that you are capable of portraying different characters or embracing a variety of moods and themes. This makes you more marketable and emphasizes your range.

Different Beauty Shots Appeal to Different Markets.

Whether you want to lean more toward the commercial, editorial, or fashion market, beauty shots will be a huge asset to establishing the look you will bring to your agency and to the overall modeling industry. Including plenty of fresh, smiling headshots in your portfolio will gear you more toward the commercial side of modeling, while having shots that display your ability to sell a product and still grab the viewer’s attention will show your fashion and editorial range. If you can graze your hand upon the lining of your jaw and let out a tantalizing pout or widen your eyes so that they sparkle and shine with a bright, playful smile, then you are already showing that you can work and succeed in more than just a single market.

It’s All About Showing the Unique Beauty You Bring.

Beauty shoots are up-close-and-personal, with minimal barriers and alterations. Many beauty shots for your portfolio will be clean, simple, and straight to the point. This is the real you — the best you. In every photo, you want to command the viewer and market your beauty with confidence and poise.

Are you ready?

Are you ready to make a lasting first impression and ensure that both you and your book are prepared and presented in a professional manner? If the answer is yes, then now is the time to schedule a beauty photoshoot and secure a shot that is a solid representation of your ability to perform up-close as a model. For more on how to prepare for a beauty photoshoot and on what to expect, check out my previous blog post (add internal link to drive traffic to your other blog post and essentially back to your site). With focus and preparation, you will have a portfolio you feel proud of in no time.

#beauty #beauty photography #models #portfolio

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behindthebeautylens · 5 years ago

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Barter Agreement: What's In It For Me?

Let me first start off by saying - for most of 2016 and 2017, I test shot nearly every weekend.

Every. Single. Weekend.

I wasn’t paid much for my beauty work and I’m not saying that I am now that I live here in Tampa, FL but I also no longer randomly test shoot to build portfolio or get better at beauty photography.

Collaboration is a great method by which to learn and grow while networking and finding your creative team along the way. It is an invaluable method to hone one skills with nearly nothing in monetary cost. But time is money as most people say. So are you using your time, photoshop subscriptions, camera clicks, lighting flash count appropriately and does the collaboration benefit you?

Over time, I’ve become a huge proponent for needing to have a suitable trade off for collaborating and creating that satisfies the needs of all parties, not just one. It might just be that I’m going through the maturing process in the field of photography and this is one of many gateways I’ll go through.

I do not believe in photographing a model, local celebrity, wanna-be influencer, etc for free if there’s nothing to be gained from the efforts. I’ve been burned too many times by these types of folks to justify taking the camera out and allowing them to not appropriately credit images created in collaboration or to not actually post images cause “oh they’re a model and they don’t like to post photos of themselves to their followers” or they simply “forgot” to tag the photographer, makeup artist, etc.

Well, what was the point then? Images aren’t meant to sit on a hard drive somewhere. They’re there to showcase as a visual representation of what it is that you actually “do” - which is make photographs so others can see.

But those types of people exist in this world and take advantage of what you offer without giving credit to the team for the collaboration efforts. Their promises are not kept and everyone ends up feeling used. It’s not a nice feeling.

So I now am implementing my own personal policies and sharing them with you:

#1. Collaborate with people who are going to help you grow and be challenged.

If testing in your local market doesn’t inspire you, then don’t do it. If you’re not challenged, then don’t do it. If you’re not learning, then DON’T DO IT. If it doesn’t benefit your portfolio, then DON’T DO IT.

Saying it louder for the people in the back…

To be honest, my challenge for beauty photography is in NYC, Miami, and Los Angeles. I don’t live there. I don’t even operate there on a monthly basis. But if I want commercial and editorial looks for my portfolio, that’s where I need to go. I don’t need to test every weekend like I did in Seattle if I spend three days in LA shooting beauty non-stop. Nowadays it’s the challenge of putting my portfolio out there for modeling agencies to review, finding the unique faces currently within the modeling world to work with, and creating well-planned photoshoots to add value to my portfolio. That’s the real challenge for me.

In 2016 and 2017, it was completely different. I wasn’t great at beauty photography and still don’t think I’m that good. I’m not making my living off of it (I actually am a full time military officer right now). But when I look 7 years down the future, it’s something I’d like to try my hand at when I retire.

My recommendation to you is to take time out to identify what’s a challenge to you and collaborate to create work that meets those challenges head on in order to grow and develop as an artist. It will help you focus on what’s important and artistic growth.

#2. Ask how the collaborative photoshoot is going to benefit you.

It’s a fair question and should not be taken lightly. I didn’t come into this world owing someone “something” just because they exist and I have an expensive camera and lenses. Just because they’re a pretty face doesn’t mean it warrants anyone a free photoshoot. I’ve learned this after working with so many models in Seattle that it’s just like - “thank you, next.” I’ve gotten to that point where I don’t feel pressured to “owe” anyone anything. If you want something more out of me, then you can pay me. Easy as that.

If you don’t see any benefit to doing this photoshoot, then charge what you would a normal off-the-street client. If you’re going to waste time pulling your camera out of your bag, driving to agreed upon location, photographing, and then spending multiple hours at home on a subscription based program (that you pay for) to edit these very images, and not really needing any of the images like what you shot for your portfolio - then you need to charge that client whatever your fair rate is.

It’s not a collaboration if you’re not getting anything out of it. So define what you want out of collaborative photoshoots and if an opportunity presents itself and doesn’t meet that criteria, kindly pass it on to the next photographer who might be a better fit.

#3. State the terms and conditions by which you will agree to collaborate and do so in writing.

Put. It. In. Writing. If someone will go through the efforts of actually reading a document and signing their name, then you probably know they’re legitimately worth their salt and understand your values as they probably have the same values.

Ask for what you want out of this collaboration. It might take some modifications and that is okay, but at least you state what you want upfront. If the others aren’t willing to compromise, then they’re the wrong people to be working with. This agreement not only holds them accountable for their half of the collaboration deal but also holds you accountable for producing the final images.

I recommend mocking up a barter agreement and get it legally vetted. Design Aglow has a great barter agreement that’s simple and straight forward and you can find that document HERE. We all deal with those unscrupulous characters that believe they can get commercial work for free if they frame it as an “amazing collaboration” that gives lots of “exposure.” We all know that exposure doesn’t pay the bills. If you want to keep someone in line with their stated agreement and terms of usage of images, this document will be especially helpful to retain - especially if they’re using that image to promote something, sell something, or otherwise violate copyright rules.

Side note, don’t also be persuaded by FREE anything. Not unless you really want whatever they’re offering for “free.” I would also not suggest giving any company, educational company, any images without written terms stated. Believe me, they will use your image to market their product and give you some “free” tutorial or gift voucher as compensation. No dear, they’re making way more money off your image than you’re led to believe. As a new photographer, it happened to me once and I paid for it three-fold.

Keep in mind, this is just one photographer’s opinion. There’s a ton of opinions out there but the big thing is you need to set the standards by which you will create by. You have to love what you’re doing first and foremost.

#barter agreements #trade shoots #collaborations

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behindthebeautylens · 5 years ago

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Insight from the Ultimate Mom-Manager: Interview with Melanie C.

Mom’s Perspective…

My name is Melanie and I am the mother of three beautiful children, my middle child being Mia who is now a LA-based model signed with DT Model Management - a premier modeling agency and every girl’s dream.

I was the typical stay at home mom. I was a member of PTA, drove a minivan and was the team mom for multiple youth sports.

When Mia was around 10 years old, a close friend suggested I send a photo into a Seattle modeling agency. Mia was a shy, healthy, natural child with freckles and long brunette hair. She had a “girl next door” ease about her that made everyone love her. She was shy and seemed to be satisfied to be a Wallflower. I introduced Mia into modeling to build her confidence. I always believed that all women are beautiful and we should not compare ourselves to others but love ourselves for our uniqueness. Every little freckle.

Getting Signed with an Agency…

When Mia was 10 she signed with Seattle Model’s Guild, one of the best agencies in Seattle. Most castings and shoots are during weekdays so she did miss a lot of school. I learned that open communication with teachers and officials is a must if your child is in the modeling or acting business. Thankfully, Mia was able to keep her grades up while modeling weekly. Mia worked for Nordstrom’s, Eddie Bauer, and Union Bay. She had a lot of fun modeling and even though she kept it secret from her classmates, it built her confidence. She learned many valuable lessons. She was working with professional adults and learned communication skills and time management as well as patience. She learned to earn her paycheck and we opened her a savings account building her future.

I was Mia’s manager and SMG was her agency but I always treated Mia as a partner and discussed all jobs, photographers, and payment so she could learn to make good decisions. As Mia grew taller she began to outgrow the children’s division. We found that there was no market in Seattle for “tweens.” She still wanted to work and I knew she needed to develop her modeling skills so we began portfolio building for adult modeling. SMG signed her onto an adult contract but we became frustrated with lack of jobs. I nicknamed this time as “being on the shelf.” By this, I mean young models are under contract but there are no paying jobs until they reach 17 – 18yrs due to state work restrictions. Agencies are not forthcoming about this period of time. In fact, she wanted to work so bad we signed in Oregon as well. She worked for NIKE and that was when we learned about restrictions. The client at NIKE explained any model under 18yrs old can only work half day so they don’t book under 18. NIKE did not know she was 17.

At age 15, we began to build a portfolio. Mia’s first shoot was with the one and only Jennifer Mcintyre. Mia learned so much from working with Jennifer. She was also introduced to older models and fashion runway. The agency was against fashion shows but I believe it was good experience and it was. Mia shot a few editorials and was published in five different magazines.

Restricting Standards.

Over time, we became increasingly frustrated with the Seattle market and Mia did a few independent paid jobs. The Seattle market preferred different measurements than Mia and the agency discussed this issue with me. They told me Mia was too short and too curvy. This was viewed as not preferred by the area clientele they served. Mia was 5’8 and a size 0/2. The desired measurements were 5’9 and up and size 0.

I disagreed.

These restrictive standards caused some stress for Mia due to Mother Nature. I believe it is a good thing to be the healthiest version of yourself. It is unhealthy to take drastic measures to change into what someone else wants you to be. There is constant pressure on models to loose inches and they are frequently measured.

I took matters into my own hands and I began reaching out to top LA agencies. Ford requested to see her when she turned 18 after I sent them some images. Our favorite models were always GUESS and Victoria Secret models. I reached out to GUESS headquarters and they recommended her agency send her. Both SMG and Muse had no contacts with the clients Mia wanted to work with. It was clear she would need to move to LA. Ultimately, we released her from SMG and Muse so she would be a free agent.

Networking in Los Angeles.

We took a few trips to Los Angeles to see if that’s where Mia wanted to move. I began speaking to top LA photographers that I found through Instagram. In the meantime, Mia reached out to Paul Marciano, the owner of GUESS and when she turned 18 he invited her to meet him in LA. We flew to LA, met and shot with a top photographer, Josh Ryan, who does GUESS campaigns and also shoots for Playboy and Maxim. Josh recommended to DT Models that they become her mother agency. The next day Mia had a test shoot at GUESS. The team called DT Models to sign Mia immediately which we were stunned and very grateful for.

When Mia walked into DT Model Management, the next day, they told her she was tall and perfect exactly they way she was. I was extremely happy! We found an agency we felt at home with. I love that they also supported Mia’s return home to Washington State to attend and graduate high school properly. I felt that they were the perfect fit for Mia. The arrangement was that DT Models would have Mia return to LA and they would provide housing in a model apartment for her to live in. In April 2019, she flew to LA independently to do her first commercial shoot for GUESS. It was a great success. Mia was very happy to be part of a wonderful agency.

After graduating high school, Mia moved to LA within two weeks. We made it a family vacation and exciting road trip. All three kids drove in Mia’s car while my husband and I drove in the truck with her belongings. It was a wonderful trip and we spent a week with her at Venice Beach before we moved her into her model apartment. Of course I was devastated to leave my little girl but incredibly proud of the brave young woman she had become. Thank god for FaceTime! We still see each other and speak almost daily. We continue to communicate about jobs, health, and photographers.

Today it has almost been a year since Mia has signed. Mia had great success in LA and was excited to be on GUESS store posters nationwide last Christmas. She signed with two other agencies - NEXT in Miami and Leni’s in London. In January 2020, she moved to London where she was working weekly.

Inspiration for Model Moms.

From a model mom’s perspective, the lessons learned are to never give up and be steadfast in demanding young models are valued for who they are and the size they are. Maintaining a healthy child is hard even without the pressures of a society and external agencies telling you that your model kid is not thin or tall enough. This world needs models of all sizes and looks to demonstrate inclusivity to reach all types of customers. Never settle or accept something you know in your heart to not be a good fit for your child.

Best of luck to all mom-managers out there managing the careers of their young models. It’s hard work but it truly does pay off even if it doesn’t end up in a modeling contract. Your child will thank you for your efforts.

Follow Mia @mia_schubert // Agencies: @dtmodelmgmt @nextmodels @lenisagency

#models #mommagers #model managers

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behindthebeautylens · 5 years ago

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How to find your Ideal Customer? Create an Avatar!

Where is my dream customer?

Are you asking yourself where your dream customer is? You know, that woman, brand, man who will literally say - they love everything about you and want to hire you. No questions asked!

I know I used to dream about them. As if they would just fall out of the sky and happen upon my instagram profile without any work on my end. I’ll just keep showing more of my work and POOF! here they are with cash in hand.

While that’s really wishful thinking and we’re all a little bit of a dreamer, it’s also naive and irresponsible. That’s the part of business that requires YOUR hard work outside of the art that you love doing. Yes, of course, you do need to love what you do, but it is mis-placed trust to just “hope” that your perfect client is going to show up and fork over their hard earned cash.

One thing I noticed about my journey through photography is that I never knew ‘who’ I wanted as my ideal client. I took stock of what other photographers were doing and tried to copy them. That is always a bad recipe for never truly becoming a business.

I made the mistake of not doing the Ideal Customer Avatar exercise. It’s a common term in the business world but since I never approached photography from the ‘business’ perspective, I didn't dive into this exercise enough. In hindsight, it should’ve been the FIRST thing I ever did. As most photographers do, I never truly did market research to ask my ideal customer what they wanted out of a photoshoot, their goals, desires, and how they wanted to feel. Also, knowing who I was marketing to - who I felt was ‘my’ perfect client right down to her likes and dislikes - was a major lesson learned and prevented me from finding the ideal customer who would appreciate my services and work. While you may never find truly ‘the one’ - you will find clients in the ‘realm’ of being your ideal customer so much that when they appear, you will instantly recognize them and know how to serve them.

So, let’s dive into this Ideal Customer Avatar Exercise, shall we?

Your ideal customer avatar is a fictional person that you create when you visualize who your dream customer is. You’re going to get to know this person inside and out, from the perspective of the individual you want to serve.

Here’s 4 things you need to consider when developing this ideal customer avatar:

He/She is your ideal customer who NEEDS your services to solve a problem that he/she is having, experiencing, or desires. The person you create should have a name, age range, hair color, eye color, height/weight (if applicable). Make this person a real person you can imagine yourself bumping into or having a conversation about. It’s also fun to imagine this person because when they show up in real life, you’re going to be like - ‘THERE YOU ARE!’

From their perspective, what are their struggles? If you can understand your ICA’s struggles with finding solutions to their problem, you can better fine tune your product/service to meet your ICA’s needs and become the best solution for them to choose from. Keep in mind that your ICA’s struggles, secret desires, and desired outcomes are the most important thing to consider when pitching your products and services. How you get your ICA to the results they want is going to be key to being top of mind.

Where does your ICA hang out, do for fun, spend their time, etc? This is important because once you identify this, this should help you understand what your ICA has an interest in, where they place their values, and what kind of life style they’re into. You’ll also know where you should be hanging out and spending your time to reach your ideal client.

Imagine your ICA did not have any constraints or restrictions and money wasn’t an issue, what would their ideal solution look like? Jot all your ideas and solutions that meet your ICA’s needs down.

Next steps…

The next steps you should do when ready for this exercise is to create this person in written form. That does require a bit of writing and in full sentences. Why? Because when you take the time to fully develop this fictional character with actual desires, needs, pain points, and hopes, you’re going to become more invested in solving this person’s problem.

From here, you can then use it in bits and pieces to speak to your ideal clients in your Instagram posts, Facebook messages, in-person, and in any other written form or visual form. You can use this to formulate your topics and find your heart-centered reasons for doing what you’re doing.

Finally, it’ll be easier to now know who you DO NOT want to serve. While you may take the job it may be a differentiating factor when you have opportunities to submit for proposal or accept a job based on price alone. You are now in full control of who you want to serve and how you can serve this person to the best of your abilities.

Want a little extra help?

Download my quick ICA guide here and use specific questions to help you build your ideal customer’s profile. CLICK HERE.

xoxo,

Jennifer

#Ideal Customer Avatar #Business Tips #Beauty photographer #beauty #Starting Your Business

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behindthebeautylens · 5 years ago

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Budgeting for your next photoshoot? Here's the details on what you should know!

Just starting your business and there’s so much to do!

You’re a new business owner or a small (or micro) business owner looking to step out into the world and build your business content and show off your product or service. Immediately, you want the best because your brand name is on the line and quality imagery means you’re going to attract the right clientele that you want to serve.

So where do you start?

As you might be aware having reached out to many photographers on the internet and via social media, pricing amongst photographers can be wildly different. Most photographers, who are very niche, are going to have their cost of doing business very well thought out to make sure the team is paid as well as make a profit.

After all, photography is a business just like you are.

But what goes into all of this pricing and why does it cost so much?

Photography itself is merely a click of a button. What you can’t put a tangible pricing on is creative vision, the time to do the project planning and research, as well as the team leadership needed to make your production a success. Obviously, the more famous a photographer, the higher the estimate will be. But just because a photographer is not famous, doesn’t mean the quality of work is any different. It all comes down to their portfolio, experience, and whether or not you like their creative style.

Here’s an example cost breakdown I gave to a small, up and coming business owner seeking to photographer her products and her products used on models.

Background for context:

Client wanted to produce a photoshoot for her clean beauty, natural skincare and cosmetic line. She was based in NYC and was willing to do the project remotely. However, as with a lot of small business owners, the cost of doing business and doing a professional photoshoot can exceed their budget at that particular time.

So I tried to do my best and educate her on what she should look for and be cognizant of when trying to plan her photoshoot in NYC, which was closer to her and she had a little more creative control by being on site.

Creative Fees:

Note: Creative fees are the cost of working with a photographer. That fee represents the photographer’s rate and can be communicated as a flat fee, the creative fee, or some photographers are happy to quote a half day (6 hours) or a full day rate (10hrs). Depending on the specific project at hand, a photographer may use one or the other. So be aware of both terms and what it means.

Here’s what I quoted her based on her project needs:

Creative Fee: $895

Includes: creative fee, 20-25 images, no retouching so we should shoot as real and natural as possible.

Images delivered via digital download in web and high resolution files.

Models:

Working with models is not cheap and does come with the model’s day rate (or half day rate) PLUS the agency fee of at least 20%. That’s how agencies make their money as well as pay the model. Typically, these rates are just starting points because the agencies will want to know HOW you intend to use those images. This is where licensing and usage comes into play, even for the use of the model’s face. It happens at all levels of modeling world.

Typically, if the client is choosing to use models, they will coordinate the casting. However, it may be asked of the photographer to spend time also conducting the castings, in which case, you, as the photographer should be compensated for your time and effort. Factor that into your creative fee or as a separate line item.

Here’s the cost estimates I gave my client:

Model Day rates: average $800

Agency Fees: average 20% on top of model rates

Half and full day rates are available so be sure to ask for those; be sure to ask for usage rights so you can get the usage you need; may or may not cost more (print, web, perpetual, etc)

Freelance Models:

I did encourage my client to seek freelance models as an alternative to hiring agency models. Depending on budget and what the client could negotiate with the model, freelance models may be the way to go. However, the legalities must be covered at all costs and airtight contracts must be signed to prevent any breach or loop holes to enable models to file for more money. Payment terms, usage, licensing and other details must be negotiated upfront and signatures on contracts are needed.

Day rate: possibly $400-$500 full day

Agency Fees: none, no agency

I would definitely negotiate with the model and ensure you have full model releases signed to avoid any complications with usage.

Makeup Artist:

Based on my past experiences, models tend to have a day rate starting at $400. That means they are on set 8 hours a day working with the talent and helping to shape the client’s needs. Not all areas of the country demand the same rates, however, if you are doing work that is more advertisement and commercial, expect to have a day rate starting at $400. Makeup artists may or may not have a half day rate, but inquire if you only need them for half a day.

Day Rate: Average $400 or so in the Tampa, FL area

Quality of makeup, especially for beauty and keeping the skin very natural is incredibly important.

Hair Stylist:

A combo artist will save your client the full cost of another person on set. While sometimes it may work out well, depending on your client’s specific vision, a combo artist may be able to handle the requirements. If not, then a hairstylist would need to be sourced. The tricky thing about hair stylists is that many tend to be fully booked and make much more money in a single than working on a photoshoot. So, the rate that you’re quoting and the type of work to draw out a hairstylist is really going to be key. That’s why combo artists are also deemed an ideal option.

If you can get a makeup artist to do both, that would be great. Hairstylists usually are hard to book.

Rate might go up if artist can do both.

Final thoughts:

In closing, doing a photoshoot for a small business can be expensive. It really depends on the vision of the small business owner and how she/he intends to use those images. Photography is a profession like any other. When the lights go down and everyone goes home, the photographer is the one left behind the scenes making sure he/she delivers the quality that they were hired to produce in the first place.

So if you’re looking to book a professional photoshoot to take your brand and image up a notch, keep in mind the above and seek a photographer that you want to invest in and who can help you grow beyond just taking a photo.

#Budgeting for Photoshoot #Small Beauty Brands #Beauty Brands

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behindthebeautylens · 5 years ago

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Model Tips to Prepare for a Beauty Photoshoot

Your first beauty shoot is around the corner, and you’re wondering what to expect and how to prepare. This time around, it’s all about embracing the fiery, sweet, sexy bits of your soul. To achieve this successfully, you have to leap into your shoot feeling prepared, confident, and ready to follow direction while still finding your own flow. With the tips and lessons I’ve learned along the way as a beauty photographer, I’ll help you master what it takes to have a successful beauty shoot from start to finish.

What is Beauty Photography?

Beauty photography consists of tightly cropped or close-up frames that showcase clean, natural beauty to dramatic, creative makeup looks. By adding beauty shots to your modeling portfolio, you demonstrate your editorial and commercial range.

Beauty Prep Before Your Shoot

FACE & SKIN

Exfoliate. Show your best face by removing any dead and dull skin. Try grabbing a cleansing scrub or make your own DIY scrubs at home. Take breaks in between exfoliating sessions, and add a few days of rest after so your skin is relaxed and baby smooth for your shoot.

Use Face Masks. Wear a face mask every other day, especially on the day of your shoot. Try one with hyaluronic acid if you want to bring out a glowy moisture to your skin, or an aloe and green tea mask if you’re looking to soothe some irritation or redness on your face. Face masks will nurture and calm your skin, while also encouraging you to enjoy a moment of tranquility before your big day.

Get a Facial. Another option is to book a facial. Depending on the treatment, at least a week of preparation is needed to allow your skin time to heal properly before your shoot.

Moisturize. Use products with SPF to protect your skin from the sun. On the day of your shoot, moisturize your face and body. Quenching your skin and locking in moisture makes for a silky smooth glow.

Hair Removal. To aid in the retouching process and become a clean canvas, consider removing hair from your upper lip, chin, or eyebrows at least two days before your shoot. This will give any noticeable irritation time to heal. Consider waxing, shaving, or threading.

Pimples. If you have any pimples before a shoot, do not pick — I repeat, do not pick! It’s much harder to work with scabs or flaky skin than it is to cover a tiny mountain that will move soon enough.

Whiten Teeth. Visit your local dentist or just opt for some whitening strips instead! Give yourself a few weeks in advance before the shoot to start prepping.

HAIR & NAILS

Fresh Hair. Try touching up your roots, getting a deep conditioning, and seeing to it that your ends are not frayed.

Styled Hair. Find out what hairstyle will bring out the vision you and your photographer have formed for the shoot.

Clean Nails. Manicure your nails before the shoot with a neutral or clean polish unless decided otherwise. You can also utilize press-on nails if you’re looking for color or length without the commitment.

CLOTHES

Bandeau and Bras. When you pack your model bag, bring nude and black bras, especially strapless options. Bandeaus are a great way to go — a lot of shots will focus on just your face but will also include your neck, shoulders, and collarbones.

Outfit Options. Bring options that reflect your personality but also feature different tones, textures, and minimal patterns. Try creating a mood board for inspiration! Pin your favorite makeup looks, outfits, colors, and quotes together on a board to help with visualization and expression.

What to Expect During Your Shoot

Arrive on Time. Make sure to arrive on time, well-rested, prepared, and confident!

Multiple Makeup Looks. You will probably go through more than one makeup look, so be ready to step in and out of the frame when necessary. Some looks may be simple while others may be dramatic and extra glamorous. You will usually have a makeup artist at hand unless discussed otherwise, so no need to worry about coming in with your face already done.

Emote & Pose. Be prepared to express specific emotions during your shoot. Maybe your vision is to be happy, sensual, or playful. Use your poses and expressions to match the set mood. Imagine you are taking on different roles or simply focusing on these specific qualities within yourself. Remember that some shots will focus on certain facial features, such as your lips, eyes, or profile. Additional shots may include your hands, so searching through particular beauty poses on Pinterest can prove resourceful.

Take Direction. Pay attention to any directions given during the shoot, as the photographer may want to switch it up every now and then. You may be asked to look directly at the camera with a fierce gaze, or even create a soft, somber pout. A couple of three-quarter or side profile shots can also be expected. Be ready to switch angles when necessary.

Find your own flow. Direction is important to follow, but it's just as important to bring your own rhythm and flow! Move organically and allow your soul to pour out through your eyes and with your every movement. Once you feel confident in your ability to perform in front of the camera, the best images will be captured.

Final Checklist

Facial Cleansing Routine

Manicured Nails

Clean and Styled Hair

Choose Outfits

Pack Model Bag

Be Confident — Channel Your Inner and Outer Beauty!

Now that you have everything you need for a successful beauty photoshoot, go out there and speak your modelesque truth. Embrace your bold, sensual side by firing a wink paired with a bitten lip or share that sweet, whimsical sparkle in your eye by setting a light, playful tone. Whichever it may be, just strut into that shoot ready to take on the world of beauty with a heart that’s already filled with it.

#Model Preparation #Preparing for first photoshoot #beauty #beauty photography

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behindthebeautylens · 6 years ago

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Why Shoot Beauty Photography?

I can't really explain what drew me to beauty photography. I know I had been following Julia Kuzmenko for a long time and I can't even remember when I first saw one of her images or where I saw it for that matter. What I do know is that I was blown away. You could see the model's skin, the intricacy of the makeup artist's work. It's like this little rabbit hole that you start going down; I started to google and study the work of other photographers who shot beauty. Courtney Dailey, Jenn Collins, Felix Rachor, Daniela Gulunz... I'm always blown away by the work that they're out there creating. Then I started following their makeup artists and that's where I really fell in love with beauty photography.

I think I chose beauty photography because it is a challenging genre. I'm not going to lie - my work wasn't that good a year and a half ago. It takes constant practice and constant studying. There's no simple way around it. My first workshop was with Courtney Dailey. She gave me an opportunity to come to Las Vegas at the 11th hour and I jumped a plane and went to learn the very basics and beginnings of beauty photography. After a few practice sessions and an investment in a 7' parabolic umbrella, I really began to study the work of the photographers I followed. The one that stood out to me the most was Julia Kuzmenko because she was interactive with her followers; answering their retouching questions and because she was also an educator in beauty. I followed Retouching Academy and then her page on Instagram. That's when I saw she had taken on a student photographer and she retouched some of the work they shot together. I immediately reached out to her via her website and asked how I could get on her schedule for a workshop. She only taught one-on-one sessions and she was incredibly selective. I had to show her some of my work to get in the door! She was selective because she wanted to teach those who had the determination and drive to perfect their craft and had creative vision. Julia has zero filter and is very upfront about her evaluations of an individual's work. Rightfully so, if you're going to ask her opinion, you should be prepared to hear it in full.

Another reason I like beauty photography is because beauty is a team effort. You can get away without having a hair stylist if you want to focus on the makeup artistry and the beauty of the model. You can pull a model's hair into a bun or back away from her face and neck. But it still takes a team to do the work. These are very specific team members who are striving to perfect technique and have a creative vision. You can go from portrait scale to macro level work. You can highlight the overall beauty of the model and artist's work, and then you can deep dive into the very details. The creativity lies within the team and that's why being selective in your team members is important. The model is equally as important. She's (or he) is the canvas that you can create from but there still has to be something within the eyes. There has to be depth and soul in the eyes. That's why I'm starting to prefer actresses or those models that have command of their emotions and expressions. This is a graduation in level that has required me to seek out more skilled creatives. The team is important and cannot be understated in beauty photography.

My last reason for shooting beauty primarily is because I'm not always in love with fashion. Fashion cycles through it's stages and is definitely experimental. But sometimes I feel like I'm seeing the same thing over and over. The same poses, the same looks on the models. While it is all necessary I don't find it challenging enough. I have no interest in retouching my own fashion work. I actually outsource some of it to retouchers because I would rather spend the time and have creative control over an entire beauty shoot.

I think I've found my niche. Now it's figuring out how to leverage my own talents to fulfill my own dreams and desires. I want to make this my life's work so I never have to "work" another day of my life. I think it's something we're all looking for in life.

Let me know your thoughts in the comments section. I would truly love to hear what you have to say.

xoxo,

Jennifer

#beauty #photography

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behindthebeautylens · 6 years ago

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Colorful Beauty: New Work with Brooke & Fara Conley

Brooke walked in and Fara fell in love.

No really, she fell in love with the Black Flag shirt (itâ€™s a band) Brooke wore to the shoot. They were best friends ever since. :-)

Brooke // Freedom Models LA // Fara Conley.

Find Fara @faradene on Instagram and give her some love!

#colorful #yellow #red #fara conley #brooke #freedom models la

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behindthebeautylens · 6 years ago

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Sr. Portrait Beauty in Hues

18.

It's very rare for me to find such a senior high school girl that wants a beauty portrait rather than the normal photography that their peers are getting.

My senior portrait beauty is different. She sees the world differently and through a creative lens that maybe gives her the push to become the woman she always dreamed of being.

She finds her confidence in being squarely in front of the lens and lets her guard down to be as free in who she is as she can be.

This is Ella. Not a model. Just a girl, with different dreams, and different aspirations. I'm excited to see where her interests and desires take her as she moves on to the next step in her journey.

There's nothing about luck, so I won't wish her "good luck." It's about determination and focus, and I believe she embodies both.

@indoorpercvssion by @facesofgypsy Ella // Gypsy Freeman Photo: @jennifermcintyre__

Get in Touch or Book Your Photoshoot!

Booking Made Easy!

#Sr. Portrait Beauty #Ella #Hues #Creative

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behindthebeautylens · 6 years ago

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Summer heat with @christien.rhule from @freedommodelsla // MUA: @helenparkmakedesign

#summer #curls #smiles #skinisin #skincare #summerdays #beautyphotoshoot #beautyphotography #beauty #commercial #cosmetic

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behindthebeautylens · 6 years ago

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Yellow Hues... Brooke of Freedom Models LA // MUA: @faradenemua

#yellowhues #freedommodelsla #beautyphotographer #beautyphotoshoot #styling #fashion #jewelry

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behindthebeautylens · 6 years ago

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New clean beauty work with Jasmine of Margaux the Agency.

#jasminecandias #margauxtheagency helenparkmakeupdesign jennifermcintyre__

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behindthebeautylens · 6 years ago

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Living Coral on @alia.rose.nw Shot by @jennifermcintyre__ Makeup artist @mstimssmakeupartist

#livingcoral pantonecoloroftheyear coral model beautyphotography photography commercial

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behindthebeautylens · 6 years ago

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Barter Agreement: What's In It For Me?

Let me first start off by saying - for most of 2016 and 2017, I test shot nearly every weekend. Every. Single. Weekend. I wasn’t paid much for my beauty work and I’m not saying that I am now that I live here in Tampa, FL but I also no longer randomly test shoot to build portfolio or get better at beauty photography.

Collaboration is a great method by which to learn and grow while networking and finding your creative team along the way. It is an invaluable method to hone one skills with nearly nothing in monetary cost. But time is money as most people say. So are you using your time, photoshop subscriptions, camera clicks, lighting flash count appropriately and does the collaboration benefit you?

Over time, I’ve become a huge proponent for needing to have a suitable trade off for collaborating and creating that satisfies the needs of all parties, not just one. It might just be that I’m going through the maturing process in the field of photography and this is one of many gateways I’ll go through.

I do not believe in photographing a model, local celebrity, wanna-be influencer, etc for free if there’s nothing to be gained from the efforts. I’ve been burned too many times by these types of folks to justify taking the camera out and allowing them to not appropriately credit images created in collaboration or to not actually post images cause “oh they’re a model and they don’t like to post photos of themselves to their followers” or they simply “forgot” to tag the photographer, makeup artist, etc.

Well, what was the point then? Images aren’t meant to sit on a hard drive somewhere. They’re there to showcase as a visual representation of what it is that you actually “do” - which is make photographs so others can see.

But those types of people exist in this world and take advantage of what you offer without giving credit to the team for the collaboration efforts. Their promises are not kept and everyone ends up feeling used. It’s not a nice feeling.

Chase Jarvis put this best: